Illuminated display assembly



June 18, 1963 M KRAKAUER ETAL 3,093,918

ILLUMINATED DISPLAY ASSEMBLY Filed Aug. 7, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 JNVENTORS u MERE/L KQAKHUE@ Wmv-ER L. K H

@wom/EY June 18, 1963 M. KRAKAUER ETAL ILLUMINATED DISPLAY ASSEMBLY 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 7, 1959 INVENTORS KRQKHUEP L. KOCH IEHRETIES fl MEQ/2ML WQLTEQ l Ill/1:71)",

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HTTOPNEY June 18, 1963 M, KRAKAUER l-:TAL 3,093,918

ILLUMINATED DISPLAY ASSEMBLY 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 7, 1959 NIL,

INVENT KP United States Patent Otitice 35%.?,9 l 8 Patented .lune i8, 1963 3,093,918 ILLUP/HNATED DISFLAY ASSEMBLY Merrill Krakauer and Walter L. Koch, Livingston, NJ., assignors to Rowe Manufacturing Co., Inc., Whippany, NJ., a corporation of New York Filed Aug. 7, 1959, Ser. No. 832,232 3 Claims. (Cl. l0-126) Our invention relates to an illuminated display assembly and more particularly to a merchandising machine display assembly which closely simulates the appearance of an article which is dispensed by the machine.

In the merchandising machine art, it is necessary to apprise the customer of the kind and bran-ds of merchandise which are to be sold by the machine. One manner in which this purpose can be accomplished is to print or otherwise impress a legend containing this information on the machine. It will be appreciated that this method of merchandising the articles to be sold accomplishes not-hing in the way of promoting sales as by prompting impulse buying since such a legend performs no function other than that of merely informing a potential customer of the merchandise which is available.

If almerchandising machine is to act as an effective salesman in a highly competitive market such as the cigarette market, it is necessary that the machine be provided with an attractive display to induce potential customers to buy. It has been suggested that a dummy display which simulates the appearance of an article dispensed by the machine be mounted on the machine. It Will be appreciated that such a display must have the shape of the article such as a package of cigarettes and it must carry indicia simulating those printed on the article package.

One method which has been proposed in the prior art for making such a display is to tirst print a plastic sheet with the indicia simulating that on the article package and then to mold the sheet to the shape of the article. As a result of the molding operation, the indicia placed on the sheet before molding are distorted with the result that the display does not closely simulate the appearance of the article lbeing sold. These molded displays of the prior art, moreover, become dusty and the indicia becomes Worn and dull after a period of time in use of the display. When the indicia Ibecomes dull and lifeless as a result of soiling and wear, therentire display must be replaced with the resultant expense to the operator.

We have invented an illuminated display assembly for a merchandising machine which overcomes the defects of displays of the prior art. Our display assembly very closely simulates the appearance of an article dispensed by the merchandising machine since it introduces no distortion of the indicia simulating that of an actual article being dispensed by the machine. `One form of our display protects the indicia of the display against wear and deterioration even after a long period `of time in use. Another form of our display permits the particular brand or type of article being simulated to be changed without discarding the entire old display and thus the particular type or kind of article being simulated may be changed with much less expense than is involved in changing the display in the prior art. Our display assembly is simple and inexpensive in construction.

One object or our invention is to provide an illuminated display assembly which very closely simulates the appearance of an article being sold by a merchandising machine without distortion of the indicia simulating that of the article.

Another :object of `our invention is to provide an illuminated display assembly in which the indicia of the display is protected against soiling and wear in use.

Still another object of our invention is to provide an` 2 illuminated display assembly which permits the particular type or brand of article being simulated to be changed in a rapid, expeditious and inexpensive manner.

A further object of our invention is to provide an illuminated display assembly which is simple and inexpensive in construction.

Other and further objects of our invention will appear from the following description:

In general our invention contemplates the provision of an illuminated display assembly for a merchandising machine including a transparent housing formed to the shape of the article 'being simulated together with a translucent insert `for the housing. We fold the insert to the shape of the article from a ilat blank printed with indicia simulating that carried by the actual article. We provide our assembly with a frame carrying the housing and insert. In one form of our invention the frame is formed with a backing member and the insert is sealed between the housing and the frame backing to protect the insert carrying the indicia. In another form of our invention the insert carrying the indicia is readily removable rom the housing to permit it to be replaced in a rapid, expeditious, and inexpensive manner. A lamp disposed within the housing illuminates the display by transmitted light passing through the insert. We employ any suitable means for mounting the yframe yon a merchandising machine cabinet.

In the accompanying drawings which forni part of the instant specication and which are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:

FIGURE l is an exploded view of one form of our illuminated display assembly showing the relation of the parts.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional View of the yform of our illuminated display assembly shown in lFIGURE l.

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of a blank forming the insert of our illuminated display assembly.

FIGURE 4 is an exploded view showing the relationship of the various parts of an alternate form of our illuminated display assembly.

yFIGURE 5 is a fragmentary elevation of a merchandising machine cabinet provided with the form of our illuminated display assembly shown in FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a sectional View of our illuminated display assembly taken along the line 6 6 of FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of an alternate form of insert with a part broken away for the form of our illuminated display shown in FIGURE 4.

Referring now more particularly to FIGURES l and 2 of the drawings, our illuminated display assembly indicated generally by the reference character 1l] includes a frame 12, the central portion of which carries a. backing I4 in the shape of the article such as a package of cigarettes to be simulated. The `frame l2 carries a peripheral ilange I6 which assists in mounting the assembly on a merchandising machine cabinet in a manner to be described hereinafter. Preferably we mold the frame l2, the back 14 and the ange 16 as an integral unit from a suitable plastic material such for example as polystyrene, which, as will be explained hereinafter, may be either transparent or translucent.

Our assembly includes a cover indicated generally by the reference character 1S including a housing Ztl in the lform of the article, such as a package of cigarettes, to be simulated and a frame 22 provided with a peripheral flange 24. We mold the cover 18 from a suitable transparent material such for example as a clear polystyrene plastic, acrylic resins, allyl resins or the like. We so form the cover I8 with respect to the frame 12 `and back 14 that frame 22 is adapted to tit closely over the frame 12, and backing 14 is adapted to lit within the housing 20.

as the brand name and the like simulating the indicia prol vided on the package of the actual article dispensed by the machine. As can be seen by reference to FIGURE 3, we form the insert 26 from a dat blank 23 of material cut from a sheet to provide respective top and bottom extensions 3i) and 32 and side extensions 34 and 36. In our assembly either the backing 14 or the insert 26 must be formed from translucent material. If desired, both the backing I4 and the insert 26 may be formed of translucent material. Preferably we form the insert 26 from a suitable translucent plastic such for example as polyethylene. While the blank Z is in its hat state we print or other- Wise impress on the blank indicia simulating that provided on the front, top, bottom, and sides of the article being simulated. We fold the top 3i) and the bottom 32 along respective lines 38 and 4i) and we fold the sides 34 and 36 along lines 42 and 44 to cause the insert 26 to assume the shape of the article being simulated.

lf desired, we provide our assembly with a decorative mat 46 adapted to be sandwiched between the frame 22 and the frame I2 when the parts are assembled. We provide the mat 46 with a central opening 48 of substantially the same size as the front of the insert 26. When the parts of the form of our assembly shown in FIGURES l to 3 are assembled as shown in FIGURE 2, mat 46 is sandwiched between the frames 22 and 12 and the insert 26 is sandwiched between the housing 2t) and the backing 14. We seal the insert 26 between the housing 20 and the backing 14 in any suitable manner such as by heat sealing the plastic members to each other or by applying an appropriate adhesive in the area of the flanges 16 and 24. In this manner no dust or dirt can collect on the insert carrying the indicia and the indicia is protected against deteriorating under the action of any external influence.

Referring now to FIGURE 4 an alternate form of our invention comprises the cover indicated generally by the reference character 18 having the housing 20, frame 22, and ilange 24. In this form of our invention rather than having a backing 14 in the shape of the article being simulated, the frame 12 carries a central support plate 5t). Any suitable means such for example as rivets 52 secure a plate 54 carrying a bracket 56 to the plate 50. We employ any suitable means such for example as a screw 53 to secure a lamp socket 6d to the bracket S6. Respective conductors 60 and 62 connected to a suitable source (not shown) of electrical energy light a lamp 64 in socket 60.

The form of our invention shown in FIGURE 4 also includes a mat 46 and an insert 26. In this form of our invention, we cut the blank 28 from a relatively heavy gauge sheet of plastic so that the insert has suh'icient structural strength to retain its shape when disposed in housing 20 without the necessity of employing a backing such as the backing 14. This form of our invention permits the ready removal and replacement of the insert 26 without the necessity for replacing an entire display as is required in assemblies of the prior art.

Referring now to FIGURES and 6, we have shown the form of our invention illustrated in FIGURE 4 in position on the door 66 of a merchandising machine cabinet. We dispose the assembly of the cover 18 having the frame 22 with the frame 12 in an opening 68 in the door 66 and with the flange 24 in engagement with the inside of the door. We employ any suitable means such for example as screws 76 for securing a retainer 72 to the inside of the door 66. Retainer 72 engages the flange 16 to hold the `assembly in position on the door. We provide the form `of our assembly shown in FIGURE 4 with openings 74 in the plates 54 and 59 to permit air to circulate within the housing 2t). It will be understood that the form of our invention shown in FIGURES l and 2 may be assembled on a merchandising machine cabinet door in the same manner. Preferably we recess the central portions of the frame l2 and 22 to `enhance the appearance of the assembly. While we have described one specific means by which our assembly may be secured to the cabinet door 66, it is to be understood that any other appropriate means may be employed.

In a further form of our invention shown in FIGURE 7 in which the insert 26 to be used with the form of our invention shown in FIGURE 4 is readily replaceable, we form the insert 26 from a relatively thin blank 2S of plastic material and provide a separate removable plastic backing 76 molded to the shape of the article to be simulated and adapted to t into the housing 2S to sandwich the blank 28 between the backing 76 and the housing Zit.L

it will be appreciated that in this form of `our invention one or the other of the backing 76 `and the blank 2S must be formed of translucent material and if desired, both members rnay be formed from translucent material.

In use of the form of our invention shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, We assemble the cover 1S on the backing 14 with the insert 26 sandwiched between the housing 20 and the backing I4. The mat 46 is sandwiched between the frames 22 and i2. When the parts have been assembled, we seal the ilanges 16 and 24 by any suitable means such for example as by the use of a suitable plastic adhesive. Our assembly may then be mounted on the door 66 of a merchandising machine in any convenient manner such as that described in connection with the form of our invention shown in FIGURE 4. A source of illumination such as the lamp 64 in this form of our invention is carried by the machine cabinet in a position to illuminate the insert 26 by light transmitted through the backing I4 and through the insert 26. This form of our invention seals the insert between the housing Ztl and the backing la to protect the indicia against deterioration and dirt.

In the form of our invention shown in FIGURE 4, we assemble frame 22 on frame 'I2 with the insert 26 disposed within the housing. When it is desired to change the indicia, the parts may be separated and the insert 26 may readily be changed. It the insert 26 is formed from a blank 28 of relatively thin material, we provide the assembly with a separate backing 76.

It will be seen that we have accomplished the objects of our invention. We have provided an illuminated display assembly for a merchandising machine which very closely simulates the appearance of an article being dispensed without introducing distortion of the indicia such as is present in displays of the prior art. In one form of our invention, the insert carrying the indicia is sealed in an enclosed space to protect it against dirt and deterioration. In another form of our invention the insert carrying the indicia may be removed and replaced in the event that it becomes soiled or worn without the necessity for replacing the entire display. Our assembly is simple and inexpensive to construct.

t will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of our claims. It is further obvious that various changes may be made in details within the scope of our claims without departing from the spirit of our invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that our invention is not to be limited to the specific details shown and described.

Having thus described our invention, whatwe claim is:

l. A merchandising machine display assembly for simulating the appearance of a boxlike package carrying indicia on a face and sides including in combination a base, a transparent housing conforming to the shape of said boxlike package carried by said base, said housing having an outwardly directed face and inwardly extending sides approximating the dimensions of the corresponding parts of said package, said housing being formed with an open back, a blank of translucent material cut to provide panels corresponding to the face and sides of said package, said panels carrying indicia simulating the indicia carried by the corresponding parts of said package, said blank being folded to form an insert, said insert being nested within said housing through said open back with the side panels thereof in engagement with the sides of said housing.

2. A merchandising machine display assembly for simulating the appearance of a boxlike package bearing indicia on a face and sides including in combination a base forming a iirst frame, a transparent housing conforming to the shape of said bor/.like package carried by said base, said housing having an outwardly directed face and in- Wardly extending sides approximating the dimensions of the corresponding parts of said package, said housing being formed with an open back, a blank of transiucent material cut to provide panels corresponding to the face and sides of said package, said panels carrying indicia simulating the indicia carried by the corresponding parts of said package, said blank being folded to form an insert, said insert being nested in said housing through said open back with the side panels thereof in engagement With the sides of said housing, a second frame, `a source of illumination carried by said second frame and means for holding said t'irst and second frames together with said source of illumination disposed behind said insert.

3. A merchandising machine display assembly for simulating the appearance of a boxlike package bearing indicia on a face and sides including in combination a base forming a first frame, a transparent housing conforming to the shape of said boxlike package carried by said base, said housing having an outwardly directed face and inwardly extending sides approximating the dimensions of the corresponding parts of said package, said housing be ing formed with an open back, a blank of translucent CII material cut to provide panels corresponding to the face and sides of said package, said panels carrying indicia simulating the indicia carried by the corresponding parts of said package, said blank being folded to form an insert, said insert being nested in said housing through said open back with the side panels thereof in engagement with the sides of said housing, a second frame, a source of illumination carried by said second frame, means for holding said iirst and second frames together with said source of illumination disposed behind said insert and a decorative mat sandwiched between said frames.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,466,422 Clark Aug. 28, 1923 1,784,937 Kreslawsky Dec. 16, 1930 1,793,050 Brunhot Feb. 17, 19311 1,923,309 Henderson Aug. 22, 1933 1,935,764 Botham Nov. 21, 1933 2,027,187 Luna lan. 7, 1936 2,100,111 Stonebraker Nov. 23, 1937 2,177,294 Buzick et al Oct. 24, 1939 2,849,817 Krager Sept. 2, 1958 2,871,081 Greene et al Ian. 27, 1959 2,895,834 Brav July 21, 1959 2,924,035 Linker Feb. 9, 1960 FGRETGN PATENTS 344,822 France Sept. 17, :4

511,241 Belgium May 31, 1952 647,605 Great Britain Dec. 20, 1950 

1. A MERCHANDISING MACHINE DISPLAY ASSEMBLY FOR SIMULATING THE APPEARANCE OF A BOXLIKE PACKAGE CARRYING INDICIA ON A FACE AND SIDES INCLUDING IN COMBINATION A BASE, A TRANSPARENT HOUSING CONFORMING TO THE SHAPE OF SAID BOXLIKE PACKAGE CARRIED BY SAID BASE, SAID HOUSING HAVING AN OUTWARDLY DIRECTED FACE AND INWARDLY EXTENDING SIDES APPROXIMATING THE DIMENSIONS OF THE CORRESPONDING PARTS OF SAID PACKAGE, SAID HOUSING BEING FORMED WITH AN OPEN BACK, A BLANK OF TRANSLUCENT MATERIAL CUT TO PROVIDE PANELS CORRESPONDING TO THE FACE AND SIDES OF SAID PACKAGE, SAID 